Lost Laundry by Kathleen Cassen Michelson is a poignant poem about a daughter grappling with her fatherFs aging and the loss of independence. When his pants go missing at his assisted living facility  she is overcome with emotion  recalling the significance of those pants from his last solo trip. The poem delves into themes of memory  loss  and the fear of inevitable separation  highlighting the deep bond between father and daughter amidst life's transitions.

Columibade by Jane Burn is a vivid and evocative poem exploring themes of purity  sacrifice  and the natural world. The poet portrays the birds as burnt offerings  their shoulders dusted with ash  symbolizing purity and the human desire for cleanliness. The imagery of magicians  snowy feathers  and scarlet yarn highlights the contrast between perceived purity and the harsh reality of life. The poem delves into the coexistence of pigeons and humans  emphasizing the pigeons resilience and their larger  faster-beating hearts. It touches on spiritual themes  referencing the dove as a symbol of innocence and divine connection. The poem concludes with a reflection on human limitations and the enduring purity of birds.

Meeting Point by Nick Bowman is a deeply evocative poem that intertwines personal memory with the timeless rhythm of the sea. The vivid imagery of the beach and its sounds creates a poignant backdrop for the speakerFs reflections on their father. Through shared moments and familial connections  the poem captures the convergence of past and present  illustrating how landscapes and memories shape our identities and relationships. Bowman's lyrical language and rich metaphors make this piece a moving meditation on legacy and continuity.

Marbled Chocolate by Maire Morrissey-Cummins is a haunting exploration of childhood memories intertwined with food and trauma. The poem begins with a nostalgic recall of chocolate and homemade treats  juxtaposed with the harshness of strict discipline. The vivid imagery of shop-bought cakes and the subsequent punishment unveils deep-seated familial tensions. Morrissey-Cummins' poignant narrative reveals the lasting impact of these experiences  culminating in a powerful reflection on healing and recovery.

This prose poem captures the essence of Jackson Pollock's art. His art is a pure  natural expression  a testament to the unwritten history of America  challenging conventional boundaries and igniting the imagination. The poem emphasizes Pollock's unrestrained artistic vision  defying justification and continually evolving  much like the mythical Atlantis.

This poem poignantly captures the lingering taste of a lost love through the metaphor of morning coffee. Each sip washes away the remnants of last night's dinner  but the memory of their past lover's taste persists  highlighting the enduring impact of love and loss. The simplicity of the imagery makes this a relatable and evocative piece.

This evocative poem by Ronald E. Shields reminisces about childhood in the 1960s. The poem vividly recalls the pretzel cart  the Good Humor ice cream truck  and Johnny the donut man  capturing the essence of a simpler time. It describes boys catching squirrels  playing stickball  and learning to "duck and cover" in school. As the world begins to change  ...

In "There Were Balloons" by Cathy S. Ulrich  a child's experience at an old woman's funeral is poignantly depicted through his innocent perspective. Balloons  usually symbols of joy  ascend like colorful punctuation marks in the sky  released by a grandly fat man. The child  uncomfortable in his formal attire  recalls the old womanFs dry kisses and butterscotch candies  and moments like watching a kitten or listening to his mother play the piano at her house. As the balloons disappear  one yellow balloon remains caught in a tree  mirroring the childFs confusion about the event  which he mistook for a party.

In "Vox"  De Wilde explores a steadfast refusal to conform  with a protagonist wielding negation as affirmation. Amidst ancient calls of war and the incessant demands of society  they choose a path of resistance  finding strength in the relentless seas that surround and define them. Each plea and confrontation sharpens their resolve  as they navigate through exile  identity  and the echoes of their defiance.

In "French Knitting" by Elizabeth Hopkinson  a witch meticulously knits Rapunzel's hair each night  creating a giant golden cobweb that descends into a dark pit. For seven years  Rapunzel's hair has been woven into the earth  supposedly connecting her to the core of creation. Confined and contemplative  Rapunzel doubts the witch's intentions  believing instead that creation flows through her. As the witch knits  an unexpected figure rises from the pit  challenging the witch’s control and hinting at a deeper  transformative power within Rapunzel herself. This tale reimagines the Rapunzel legend with a mystical and introspective twist.

Whiskey and Cigarettes at the End by Ronald E. Shields captures the quiet reflection of an elderly couple in a cemetery. Surrounded by the decay of time  they savor small comforts like whiskey and cigarettes  contemplating life’s fading moments and the weight of letting go.

The Moment by Ronald E. Shields captures Jesus’s act of forgiveness. From his wooden tower  he sees heaven’s beauty in every grain of sand  reflecting the miracles in everyday life and the order of creation. A profound meditation on divine grace and spiritual insight.

Pegasus  a short story  by Maria Buck tells the haunting story of Vera  a woman trapped by loss and violence. Through the metaphor of her broken golden horse  she confronts trauma  survival  and the battle for her life. A powerful narrative of strength  identity  and redemption in the face of deep emotional scars.

A teen at the mall  her vibrant style illuminated as she texts dreams and smokes under the star

Amidst an insect swarm  people pray together under a liquid moon  awaiting their fate.

Skellig Michael by Mary Lee reflects on the physical and spiritual endurance of the monks who inhabited the remote Skellig Michael monastery. The poem contemplates the arduous task of carving thousands of steps from stone  the isolation imposed by the Atlantic's power  and the spiritual connection found in nature's persistence  as seen in the circling birds and steadfast rock.

Penance by Maire Morrissey-Cummins portrays a womanFs internal struggle as she seeks forgiveness for her sins. Through vivid imagery of tense hands  bony knees  and the confessionalFs oppressive atmosphere  the poem captures her feelings of guilt  the ritual of confession  and the hollow aftermath of absolution. Despite feeling cleansed  she leaves with an unsettling sense of emptiness.

Julie Hogg's poem Soul Skating explores the fluidity and grace of skating as a metaphor for personal freedom and self-expression. The use of dynamic language  including phrases like "minimal friction" and "sustained gliding " evokes the sensation of effortless movement  while the unique structure of the poem visually mimics the rhythm of skating itself. The speaker’s reflection on the "soul in a true layback spin" connects physical motion with emotional depth  capturing the joy of release and self-realization in the act of skating. The poem celebrates how motion can lift the spirit into a new dimension of experience.

Naked Beauty by Kathleen Cassen Mickelson critiques a photographers portrayal of female nudes  challenging the claim that his work is "for women." The speaker  searching for bodies like hers-aged  experienced  and imperfect-finds none. The poem highlights the exclusion of real  lived female experiences in favor of idealized  unblemished bodies  calling for honesty in representing womens beauty.